Joeli Yabaki, the parade commander for the Naqere Youth Training Centre, has highlighted that his experience in receiving the Baton of Honour has taught him the importance of time management. The 18-year-old from Nabouwalu, Bua, participated in the carpentry program at the training center in Savusavu.
Describing the cadet passing-out parade for students from the Fiji National Youth Training Centre as emotional and overwhelming, Mr. Yabaki noted that the event saw a combined graduation of students from two training centers, Naleba in Labasa and Naqere in Savusavu. In total, 25 male and seven female cadets from Naleba, along with 24 male and two female cadets from Naqere, completed their training.
Mr. Yabaki emphasized how the seven weeks of cadet training instilled values like discipline and honesty, and taught participants about their responsibilities as patriotic citizens. “The training helped me grow as a person and make wise and timely judgments when leading the parade,” he stated.
With his family present at the event, he remarked that many young people today often engage in unproductive activities, but he learned the necessity of using time wisely through constructive engagements. As the overall best all-rounder, Mr. Yabaki expressed support for continuing this cadet training annually to positively shape more students.
He acknowledged that all cadets initially felt pressure to meet the expectations of parents and teachers, but noted that with each successful drill, their confidence grew.